Karicare Recall Issued After Botulism Scare

The maker of Karicare infant formula has issued a recall of two products from the New Zealand market over a recent botulism scare. The recalled products are Karicare Infant Formula Stage One and Karicare Gold plus Follow On Formula Stage Two.

Nutricia announced the recall, explaining that safety of its customers is the company’s primary concern. The recall doesn’t include any other Karicare products.

The recall is part of a botulism scare tied to New Zealand dairy giant Fonterra, reports People Daily. The company announced early Saturday that tests indicated the potential presence of Clostridium in a whey concentrate sample. The strain can cause botulism.

The whey protein in question was produced in May 2012 and it is believed a dirty pipe at Fonterra’s Hautapu plant in Waikato was to blame for the contamination.

Botulism is a paralytic illness that can cause respiratory problems, muscle weakness, trouble with muscle issues, and difficulty talking. If left untreated, it is highly fatal.

Along with New Zealand, Fonterra also shipped the contaminated products to Australia, China, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Saudi Arabia. However, the Karicare recall only affects New Zealand.

Australia’s Department of Agriculture believes that only one Australian company imported the contaminated infant formula. After testing, the batch was cleared, notes ABC News.

In all, Fonterra is recalling more than 1,000 tonnes of products after the strain was discovered in whey protein. As a response, China asked importers to recall any product that may be affected by the bacteria. Meanwhile, Russia has suspended all imports and circulation of Fonterra products.

The dairy giant is leaving it up to companies to recall the affected products. Along with food companies, two beverage companies and three animal feed manufacturers were also affected. New Zealand’s trade minister Tim Groser also promised a full investigation into the situation.

The Karicare recall affects batches 3169 and 3170 with use by dates of 17 06 2016 and 18 06 2016 for Infant Formula Stage 1. The Gold plus Follow On Formula’s recall batch is D3183 and has a use by date of 31 12 2014.